Thomas, Saints need each other

Tuesday

Jun 15, 2010 at 11:00 AMJun 15, 2010 at 11:52 AM

Matt LeBlanc Staff Writer

The relationship between the New Orleans Saints and running back Pierre Thomas has been mutually beneficial for both parties.For Thomas, the Saints organization gave him an opportunity in the NFL after 32 teams — including the Saints — passed on him over and over again during the 2007 NFL draft.For the Saints, Thomas has been their most productive running back in each of the past two seasons, totaling 1,418 rushing yards and 586 receiving yards, while scoring 20 total touchdowns. Those stats don’t take into account Thomas’ three touchdowns during last year’s postseason run or his key kick return and fourth-down conversion against the Minnesota Vikings in overtime of the NFC championship game.And, oh yeah, Thomas has done all of that for just about as little as you can get paid in the NFL.Like I said, the relationship between the Saints and Thomas has been mutually beneficial.Thomas got an opportunity, and the Saints have gotten great production for cheap.But a change is coming, and rightfully so.During Thomas’ first three years in the league, the Illinois product made $285,000, $370,000 and $460,000.With Thomas becoming an unrestricted free agent this offseason, the Saints tendered him an offer worth $1.7 million, and on Monday, Thomas signed that offer.While the signing guarantees Thomas will be in the Black and Gold for another season, it shouldn’t end negotiations toward a long-term contract between the two sides. Thomas has earned that much, and the Saints could use his production.The two sides had already entered negotiations for a long-team deal, and the Saints reportedly offered Thomas a four-year contract worth $11 million.That’s obviously much better than what Thomas was getting paid before.It’s still not enough.NFL analyst Mike Detillier said in his column in The Courier on Sunday that Thomas is seeking a deal similar to the one Michael Turner got with the Atlanta Falcons, worth $34.5 million over six years.Still, that dollar amount is too much and doesn’t mesh with Thomas’ role in the Saints’ offense.Turner is Atlanta’s feature back and averaged 16 carries per game in 2009 and 23.5 carries per game in 2008.Meanwhile, Thomas averaged 10.5 carries per game last season and 8.6 carries per game in 2008.For all the good Thomas has done — and he’s done a lot of good — that type of role in an offense doesn’t warrant the money he’s asking for.Yet, Thomas’ statistics warrant more than what the Saints are offering.With Thomas signing the tender, it’s obvious both parties recognize it’s in their best interest to stick together.Saints general manager Mickey Loomis has been near flawless in contract negotiations in recent years, and so far, he’s done a good job in these negotiations.If Thomas hadn’t signed his tender, the Saints were prepared to drop the tender, setting Thomas up to get paid about $500,000 next season.Fortunately, that won’t happen. Loomis played hardball, and it worked. For now, at least.Negotiations should continue between the two sides. Right now, we’re seeing the business side of the NFL. But by the Sept. 9 season opener against the Vikings, we’re seeing the relationship between the Saints and Thomas continue to flourish.

Staff Writer Matt LeBlanc can be reached at 857-2212 or 448-7600. ext. 2212 or matt.leblanc@houmatoday.com.